A sewage pipe which forms part of a £200 million scheme to treat waste water, dubbed Poohaven by opponents, looks close to being given the go-ahead.

Southern Water's plans for a pumping station, storm water overflow pipe and 11km underground tunnel, which would transport sewage from Black Rock in Brighton to a treatment centre in Peacehaven, will be considered by Brighton and Hove City Council planning committee on Wednesday.

The proposals, recommended for approval by officers, are a duplicate of an earlier planning application submitted to the council in April.

Southern Water lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State when the council was unable to make a decision and a public inquiry was expected to be held next year.

When councillors met last month, they heard the pipe was likely to overflow once every 50 years, depositing a mix of rainwater and sewage into the sea.

They agreed to support plans on condition research was carried out to see if the 2.5km pipe can be extended further into the sea. They called for the roof of the proposed pumping station at Marine Drive, Brighton, to be covered in sedum or painted green.

They are expected to make similar remarks on Wednesday.

East Sussex County Council would also need to approve plans for the treatment centre at Lower Hoddern Farm, Peacehaven, which falls within its jurisdiction, before work on the scheme can begin.

Residents of Peacehaven are strongly opposed to the works.

Richard Price, Southern Water Project Director, said: "We hope Brighton and Hove City Council will support this scheme, which is vital if we are to provide improved waste water treatment for the Brighton and Hove catchment."

Friday, December 9, 2005